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You are here: Home / Self Tanning / 10 Best Self Tanners for Fair Skin

10 Best Self Tanners for Fair Skin

By Editors


I hope you love the products I recommend in this article. Just so you know, Bronze Booty may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page. This helps me keep Bronze Booty updated with all of this great information. I hope you find exactly what you're looking for!
a photo of a woman's fair legs

If you are fair-skinned, but still want a beautiful, bronze glow, don’t worry! There are many easy and affordable ways of achieving the look you hope for. They range from sun tanning to sunless tanning, all of which have their own unique benefits. 

While lounging in the sun has a couple of pros, sunless tanning has even more advantages, including lesser risk of skin cancer. This benefit is a direct contrast and a solution to the greatest problem that often results from sun tanning. due to the harmful exposure to UV rays.

Another benefit to self-tanning is it produces a very rapid result. With the right product and a good application, a beautiful tan can be achieved in ten minutes or less, and can last for about seven to 12 days. 

What’s more? Products used for self-tanning can also be used to clear wrinkles and breakouts that resulted from buildup in the skin.

Self Tanners for Fair Skin

Although self-tanners are available for different skin tones and types, there are some that are more agreeable to certain skin tones than others. So, depending on your skin tone you may either find it extremely hard or extremely easy to get a self-tanner that’s perfect for you.

What this means is that your success of getting a perfect tan may rest on whether you are dark, fair, extremely fair or just pale. This success also rests on the amount of knowledge that you possess on how self-tanners work. While some people can get a deep-looking tan from using just any product, pale people may have to work harder and find specific products to bring out their tan. This difficulty is the rationale behind this article.

How would a Self-Tanner Give you a Tan?

The major ingredient needed in a self-tanner is a coloring agent referred to as DHA. It is a sugar molecule, which works hand-in-hand with the proteins on the skin’s top layer to create a brownish-orange color. 

Apart from this ingredient, another coloring agent which can be used to give you a golden tan is Erythrulose. This is another sugar that interacts with the skin proteins in the same manner as DHA. And, when added together, it gives a long-lasting tan.

How to Find the Perfect Self Tanner for your Skin Color

If you want a very light tan, the product’s DHA level should be around 3 percent. If you want a medium tan, 4 percent is the perfect DHA level. In order to get a very deep tan, then the product you need should contain 5 percent of DHA.

Although any product’s DHA percentage can determine how deep your tan would look, it doesn’t determine the color of your skin. So, you’d want to look at yourself carefully before picking a shade.

Things to Consider When Getting a Self Tanner for a Fair Skin

First and foremost, buying a self-tanner is the same everywhere and with everyone. You have to be careful about its features and ingredients to make sure you won’t irreparably harm your skin. Stay away from strange-sounding ingredients you can’t research, and products with very dubious origins.

There are actually a few things to consider when getting self-tanners for fair skin. Most of the products are made to be used by people with fair skin, as they are the ones who majorly dominate the market due to the difficulty often encountered when tanning under the sun. 

Skin Sensitivity 

If you have fair skin, chances are you also happen to have sensitive skin. This is probably why you burn easily in the sun. When picking a product, bear in mind that its formula should not be irritating to the skin at all. 

Of course, it’s also possible to have a fair skin without the burden of sensitivities. If this is the kind of skin you have, then you can pick any self-tanner you like.

Color Level

Most self-tanners are designed to give you a certain level of tan, ranging from light to dark. And, although it seems reasonable to use the darkest shade, this may not be a very good idea. The only thing this would do is give an unsavory orange tint that does nothing to flatter your skin. The best thing to do is to start with the lightest shade of self-tanner, and work towards deeper and bolder shades.

Self-Tanner Formula 

There are many formulas of self-tanners for fair skin available everywhere, and these range from moisturizers to gels and mousses. The most common of these formulas are moisturizers, as they are perfect for people with pale skin. These tend to give a light tan, then build up over time to a deeper, darker and bolder shade.

The lotion and cream self-tanner products also come under this wide range of formulas. Unlike the moisturizers, they create a concentrated color, which can either be a hit or miss when used by someone with pale skin.

The Best Self Tanners for Fair Skin

Buying self-tanners for fair skin may still prove to be a daunting task. Which is why we have compiled a list of the best self-tanners for people with fair skin. 

1.  St. Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Body Moisturizer

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Body Moisturizer, Light/Medium, 6.7 Fl Oz

Who’s it for? Anyone who wants to get a beautiful light to medium tan over time while maintaining a flawless skin. 

This moisturizer-based self-tanner contains a gradual working formula. It builds up from light to medium over time, based on constant use.

This product is perfect for all skin tones, especially those with very fair complexion. It gives a natural bronze shade with no streaks or orange patches, and it also dries very quickly without flakes. You can use it every morning, after showering, and it will stay on without staining your clothes or coming off when you sweat.

It is best applied onto dry skin with the applicator mitt, preferably after exfoliating. Although, it works as well without exfoliating the skin before use. Then, wait for the product to dry on the skin before getting dressed for the day. You can apply daily for darker shades.

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2.   Jergens Natural Glow + FIRMING Body Lotion

Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Body Lotion, Fair to Medium Skin Tone, 7.5 Ounce Sunless Tanning Daily Moisturizer with Collagen and Elastin

Who’s it for? Anyone who wants a classic blend of self-tanner with Vitamin E and antioxidants to create a beautifully tanned, flawless skin while getting rid of cellulites.

This is a lotion-based self-tanning product perfect for everyday use. It creates a natural-looking tan that is both elegant and noticeable from a distance. This isn’t the only noticeable thing about the product. It also contains coconut water and antioxidants, which give noticeably smooth skin, free of cellulites within seven days. 

It is a durable product meant to be used for gradual tanning. So, even if you have scars, this will ensure that you obtain an even tan that cannot be easily wiped off when you step into the water, use a make-up remover or try to exfoliate your skin.

Jergens Natural Glow Body Lotion also doesn’t get splotchy or have streaks unless you put a lot on your skin. So, be very careful of the amount you put. It’s perfect for people with fair complexions, so you don’t have to worry about not getting the perfect tan.

Lastly, it can be applied like every other lotion-based product, which is by rubbing it into the skin in a circular motion. Remember to wash your hands after use.

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3.  Vita Liberata Invisi Foaming Tan Water

VITA LIBERATA Advanced Organics invisi Foaming Tan Water | Organic botanicals to hydrate skin & provide a perfect tan | Fast drying properties for tanning on the go | Shade: Light-Medium | 6.76 Fl Oz

Who’s it for? This vegan product is best for those who want to obtain a very realistic tan.

This is a clear non-smelling, self-tanning product with zero color and zero chances of staining or leaving orange streaks. 

It is good for skin hydration and anti-aging, with its array of organic botanicals like Raspberry and Ginkgo Biloba. The product takes four to six hours to be activated, and lasts up to seven days before it fades. 

This foaming tan water doesn’t smell strongly since it doesn’t make use of any type of perfume as one of its ingredients. It can also be used all over the body, including the face. 

Lastly, this product is best applied with a brush or beauty blender for face application. Since it is clear like water, there’s no color when you apply it. So, you may want to be careful not to skip some places.

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4. Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse

Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse - Medium

Who’s it for? Someone who wants a formula strength equivalent to that of divine smelling salon sprays.

A mousse-based formula, this product gives a natural-looking tan. It can be developed into a deeper shade without leaving streaks or clothes stain. This product has an Aromaguard technology, so you can smell wonderful throughout the time that you’re using it.

This product is perfect for winter months, and it leaves a perfectly bronze tan, sure to be envied by everyone. The result of the tan also looks very natural. It stays on the skin for seven to 10 days, depending on the amount of time you soak on water.

The Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse is best applied with mitts to apply the product on the unreachable parts of the body. If you are not using the mitt however, remember to wash your hands after applying it. 

Lastly, this product comes in different shades so you may want to be careful about which shade you are getting.

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5. Famous Dave’s Fair Skin and Face Self Tanner

Fair Skin and Face Self Tanner - America's 20,000 Testimonial Famous Dave's Moisture Tan Light 8 Fl Oz. Professional Tanning Lotion for Body and Face - Waterproof

Who’s it for? Anyone with fair skin, who is interested in investing in a long-lasting tan that is both perfect and beautiful. 

The Famous Dave’s Fair Skin and Face Self Tanner is a luxury product meant for moisturizing and hydrating the skin. It is also a smooth cream-based lotion, perfect for those who want to get a stress-free, natural-looking tan.

Furthermore, it is fragrance-free and doesn’t leave streaks, splotches or orange patches on the skin. The end result looks exactly like a tan that has been gotten while working or lounging under the sun.

The product also contains anti-aging properties, which would ensure firm skin. It also strives to improve skin and tissue hydration, giving the healthiest looking tan every day of the year.

Lastly, because there is no fragrance to amplify the smell of the DHA present in the product, the chances of developing a terrible odor from using it is greatly diminished . 

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6. Vita Liberata Organic Gradual Tan Lotion

VITA LIBERATA Advanced Organics Fabulous Self-Tanning Gradual Lotion Daily moisturizer for your face & body delivering a gradual buildable tan With Marula Oil Suits all skin tones 6.76 Fl Oz

Who’s it for? The product is gentle enough to be used by all skin types, especially those with sensitive and dry skin. It also creates the perfect coating for people with fair skin.

This is a lotion-based self-tanning product, which is guaranteed to give an all-round tan without streaks, blotches or orange patches. It has hydrating properties that give a perfectly believable yet skin nourishing tan.

This product creates an overnight tan that lasts up to seven days. It has a subtle glow that doesn’t stain clothes or bed sheets. In addition, it’s completely free from perfumes, parabens, alcohol, and other toxic chemicals that are bad for your skin. 

The Organic Gradual Tan Lotion is 100 percent natural and formulated with botanicals that are certified organic. It does not leave any stain behind and is easily absorbed by the skin. It doesn’t smell, and it gives a 72-hour skin hydration, perfect for everyday use.

Lastly, the product is best slathered on with a mitten in order to reach every part of the body. Remember to wash your hands after use.

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7.   Mystic Tan Duo

Self Tanner - Mystic Tan Duo 2-in-1 Mocha-Kyssed Bronzer + Booster Anti-Orange Sunless Tanning Lotion for Light to Medium Skin Tone, 8 fl.oz. / 237ml

Who’s it for? Anyone with fair skin who wants a self-tanner that promises a gorgeous tan and doesn’t leave orange streaks.

The Mystic Tan Duo is a two-in-one product with an anti-orange formula. It contains both the Mystic Tan Mocha-Kyssed Bronzer and the Booster Self Tan Lotion together in one product. This brings together two successful Mystic Tan products to create a new self-tanning lotion with the same premium ingredients found in professional sprays.

This product also uses a tri-hydration formula, which is a blend of hyaluronic acid, glycerin and Sodium PCA. It is for deep moisturization, keeping the skin firm and free of fine lines. It also contains natural ingredients, like Aloe Vera Leaf Juice and Witch Hazel, to ensure that the skin receives maximum amount of pampering anytime of day.

The tanning lotion provides for buildable colors. The more you use the product, the darker your tan becomes. So, if you think your tan is light, you can simply apply more lotion to your skin until you achieve a shade you find satisfactory.

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8.   Bondi Sands Self Tanner Lotion

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Lotion | Moisturizing, Quick Drying Lotion Provides a Natural Looking, Long Lasting, Bronzed Glow | 7.04 oz/200 mL (Light/Medium)

Who’s it for? This product is good for anyone who wants a light to medium tan while maintaining a stress-free, flawless skin.

Infused with coconut and aloe vera ingredients to give a streak-free, long-lasting glow, your tan can be developed within minutes. This makes it perfect to use before going out with friends or simply going to the beach.

If you want to have a darker tan than the initial one, apply the lotion 30 minutes after the first application. Leave it on for six hours if you aim for it to last for around five to seven days. You can also maintain it by using the Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Milk, which is another product used to create a gradual tan.

Lastly, it’s best to apply the product with an Applicator mitten after the skin has been exfoliated.

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9.  Hempz Yuzu & Starfruit Touch of Summer Gradual Self Tanning Creme

Hempz Hempz yuzu & starfruit touch of summer moisturizing gradual self-tanning creme with spf 30 for fair skin tones, 6.76 ounce , 6.76 Ounce

Who’s it for? This product is great for those interested in getting a healthy-looking tan, with the use of naturally procured ingredients.

Because of its natural base, this tanning cream ensures that you enjoy a very beautiful bronze skin without wasting time at all. It can also double as a moisturizer in order to hydrate the skin and give it the pampering it deserves.

The Indian hemp oil used to make this product is also good for regenerating the skin’s protective layers. It keeps moisture from drying off from the surface. It also protects the skin from dust, dirt, sunlight and external irritants. Not only does the product help regenerate your skin, it also prevents psoriasis, soothes irritated skin, and won’t clog your pores.

This product by Hempz doesn’t make use of harmful ingredients, which can be found at the back of conventional tanners. Rather, it makes use of simple and natural ingredients to make your skin look beautiful and feel comfortable.

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10.  Coconut Water Based Long Lasting Self Tanner Foam

Coconut Water Based Long Lasting Self Tanner Foam

Who’s it for? This product is best for those who are sensitive and are at higher risk of burning under the sun. 

This self-tanning foam is a hydrate-based, streak-free self-tanner for all skin types and tones, whether it’s even or not. It uses coconut water in place of DHA to give that natural-looking, healthy tan within an hour.

The product boasts of SPF 30 formulation and a wear-and-wash kind of formula. So, the longer the formula stays on the skin, the deeper the tan gets. And, you can choose how dark you want it to be.

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Conclusion

If you’ve been searching for self-tanners for your fair skin, this article would surely be the end of your long search. The myth about fair-skinned people being unable to tan beautifully is just that—a myth. And, these products have helped thoroughly debunk it.

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